One of the basic factors to consider when deciding to replace your old air conditioning system is age. The old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” isn’t always the best, and in the case of older cooling systems, that attitude can be costly. Let’s say your old cooling system, whether it’s air conditioning or heat pump, is a 13-year 8 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency index, the standard by which cooling systems are rated) system. Just because it’s still running doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good thing.

How can it be? Well, first of all, let’s explore efficiency. Today’s minimum standard is 13 SEER. Each numerical increase in the SEER rating equates to approximately an 8% increase in efficiency. So replacing your 8 SEER system with a minimum of 13 SEER will reward you with an efficiency increase of almost 40%. That means it can potentially reduce your refrigeration utility bill by 40%. A simple calculation will show you that every year that you keep your old system because it is working, it is costing a lot of money.

Then there is the issue of pure age. Are there units in operation today that are 20 years old? Safe. That’s normal? Not! The fact is, a 15-year service life for engine-driven split cooling systems is pretty much all you can hope for. In fact, the ARI (American Refrigeration Institute) informs its HVAC professionals that 13.72 years is the current maximum half-life of residential refrigeration equipment manufactured today (2006 report).

Like people, an air conditioning system ages. And just like people, moving parts wear out, weather and weather affect the structure, and the older they get, the more expensive they are to maintain and repair. But unlike people, they can be replaced and doing so before the time comes when maintenance and repair costs start to eat up your pocket can be a good financial decision. One of the toughest decisions homeowners face when it comes to their older refrigeration systems is “should I repair or replace it?” Don’t waste too many brain cells on that decision. If your unit has provided profitable service, but is beginning to require frequent repairs and is approaching the last quarter of its reasonable normal life … Replace it!